One common problem I help solve every day is the recovery of passwords. For some reason, tracking passwords and usernames becomes a daunting task for most computer users.
The advice I dispense most often when asked how to track all of the usernames and passwords we accumulate these days is to simply write it down. Not just anywhere, however, but in an address book, on an index card and filed in a recipe box, or on full sheets of paper.
Over the years, I have shared many other tips about passwords (including my popular Password Mania tip which includes links to software utilities to help with the process), but until now have never offered up a solution that you can start using today…right now!
At the end of this article, you can download (for free) and print out some blank password tracking sheets that I’ve designed for you! One of them is landscape in orientation and can track up to 16 sites and login information, and the other is portrait in orientation and can track 6 sites per sheet.
Try them out and see which you like better, then 3 hole punch them and put them in a binder or just keep them in a file folder and keep them near your computer for handy reference.
IF you want to use your computer to type on the forms, I have created one computer fillable form for each of the designs. No extra software required, you already have the software necessary on your computer…Windows, Mac or Linux!
Don’t wait any longer, get the forms and start organizing your passwords today!
- Portrait Password Tracker (6 sites per page)
- Portrait Password Tracker (computer fillable)
- Landscape Password Tracker (16 sites per page)
- Landscape Password Tracker (computer fillable)
I would love to hear how you like the forms…so please leave a comment below sharing your comments, suggestions, or hints.
Of course, this is viable only if all other occupants and visitors are trustworthy.
True, but one can always hide the documents when those types of untrustworthy guests are about.
Additional info here Rick. What’s actually the most harmful is a lack of changing passwords regularly. A password of 16 characters, with mixed case, numbers and special characters changed only once a month is generally more secure than 90 different of that same type of password that never get changed! More frequent changes increase the security even more. I would never advocate actually only having one password for everything, but changing the password is more secure than not. I use a somewhat complex to describe but easy to actually implement rotation of 7 different passwords. I change out all 7 each year, change which password of the 7 is used for different groups of sites each month. Another helpful tip that also reduces spam and other unwanted junk is having multiple email addresses. Have one that you use only for family and friends, one for online ordering, one for all of the various social networking sites and forums joined, one for just business/work, and finally one kept totally seperate for banking. This ties into the passwords because now you’ve added an extra layer of security by also protecing the most common username out there being your email address! This way if your social networking password does become compromised, they only have a username that will affect what’s associated with just that email address. Sorry to be so long winded but wanted to share 😉
Apparently you have been reading and following my advice through the years! Ha ha. Good info and thanks for the comment!
There’s still not a lot to beat a low-tech lockable steel cash box, just don’t lose the key or leave it lying about!
Absolutely…ANY system is a good system, a lockable cash box is a great idea too!!
why not just use an 81/2 x11 sheet of lined tablet paper, draw vertical lines with a ruler for columns, and fill in the blanks with the data? Cheap, fast, and use much less paper.
True, true. Thanks for the comment!
Thanks, Rick! I printed the landscape version, and will pencil in the passwords. I also saved the computer version; easier to make changes. The long comment about changing passwords is rather daunting. I found out my password can be cracked in 2 seconds! Guess I have work to do!
I’m glad you are using them! Thanks…and pass it on!
Hi Rick,
I love the forms you created. Could I get permission to use your form in a book I am writing?
Thanks,
Tracey
Thanks Tracey. Yes, use them and spread the word!
Hi Rick,
Have just discovered you. Am so glad. I have cognitive difficulties and not tech-savvy but you are so easy to understand and follow. My case workers will be ecstatic about me finding easy-to-follow computer advice and your password tracking system I will now adopt.
Thank you for the comments. I hope you do find lots of great help and information for yourself and friends, co-workers, and family here at HelpMeRick.com.
Since this is along the lines of security (tho not passwords) it deals with AVAST.
Has Avast recently changed something? Since last month’s update, it now takes FOREVER for the program to scan files. In fact, it seems the logo in the task bar spins constantly….I can understand when working online while surfing. However, when I open any file on my computer (once or a number of times during the day) it continues to run each time I open it. Thus I spend more time waiting, rather than actually working. Is there something I need to change in the properties???
Thanx much,
Anne
Unless you are using Windows XP, I recommend that you use Microsoft Security Essentials over any other antivirus. It’s possible you may have accidentally downloaded the Avast Internet Security trial instead of the standalone antivirus or enabled some extra features on the free version you didn’t intend.
I recently purchased an Acer Aspire with Windows 10 (hate it..not the computer..Windows 10). With it came an App called Dashlane which is a password manager as I am sure you know and which I am now using. Is this a good or a bad thing?
Hello. Thanks for visiting! Dashlane has been around awhile now and is considered a safe password manager. Use any backup options they have to insure you have backups of your information, but yes, I like the use of electronic password managers.
Thank you, Rick.
I use an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of passwords and sites similar to yours. I like Excel because I can use the “find and select” feature to change multiple instances of the same password with one entry. Also I can password protect the file on my computer…just have to remember the password for the sheet!
Thanks for your tips and I really enjoy your website. I have referred back to it many times. BTW, several years ago I was having a computer issue and I contacted you. You remoted in and fixed it and I am forever grateful for your expertise and help.
The find function is great in all programs for sure. Good use of it in your spreadsheet and thanks for stopping by again! Please keep referring! Enjoy your day!
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